Can shelties be happy in a busy/noisy home

Many, many years ago when I was 5 and my sisters were 3 and 1 my parents got a Sheltie. I don't remember any problems he had with noise, although whenever my parents yelled at one of us he'd bark at them. We were definitely his sheep and no one was going to be mean to us! Since my mom started working when my youngest sister was in first grade, so 6 or so, Charlie was routinely left alone. He did not have a doggie door so he was inside all day. The rule was that whoever got home first would walk him and then leave him in the fenced-in area my dad had built in the backyard (assuming weather was okay) for a couple of hours. He did fine with that.
 
One thought - the UK Shelties seem much lighter boned than ours over here. They really need a gentle hand anyway because they are all so sensitive, but they are not a breed for anyone, or any kid, who wants a rough and tumble, wrestling kind of dog. They are tough little dogs in other ways, but not with physical roughness.
 
Ann said:
I second the advice you've gotten from others here. Shelties do make wonderful family dogs! They are loyal and loving and great with children who know how to treat a dog. My two kids were raised with Shelties and they were wonderful. As others have said, if you are able to find a reputable breeder who will match a puppy to your family situation you'll be fine.

This is my Ruffles with my grandson when he was only a few months old, and playing tea party with my granddaughter as a puppy . I'm always amazed at how instinctive and gentle they are.


View attachment 17313 View attachment 17314
Click to expand...
Beautiful pictures Ann...absolutely precious!
 
My house is loud and pretty much has always been. My kids are not 23, 20, and 16. My shelties are 15, 12, 11, and 7. I've had no problems with the kids and the dogs.....my shelties love their kids! I think the most important thing to remember is that shelties are very soft sensitive dogs. So your kids must be gentle and not rough with them. When they were younger and would run, sometimes the dogs would grab their pant legs and try to slow them down, but we knew it was herding and it never scared my kids. My kids actually got involved with agility with the dogs and it was a very bonding experience for them. And if you are used to loud....the sheltie bark won't bother you, cause they love to be vocal!

vinca and michelle.JPG Michelle and Vinca 1.JPG

vinca michelle chloe.JPG
 
Ann said:
I second the advice you've gotten from others here. Shelties do make wonderful family dogs! They are loyal and loving and great with children who know how to treat a dog. My two kids were raised with Shelties and they were wonderful. As others have said, if you are able to find a reputable breeder who will match a puppy to your family situation you'll be fine.

This is my Ruffles with my grandson when he was only a few months old, and playing tea party with my granddaughter as a puppy . I'm always amazed at how instinctive and gentle they are.


View attachment 17313 View attachment 17314
Click to expand...
Adorable pics, and good advice!
 
Sharon7 said:
One thought - the UK Shelties seem much lighter boned than ours over here. They really need a gentle hand anyway because they are all so sensitive, but they are not a breed for anyone, or any kid, who wants a rough and tumble, wrestling kind of dog. They are tough little dogs in other ways, but not with physical roughness.
Click to expand...
My kids have always been great with our cat a my family's dogs ranging from a little nervous chihuahua cross to a big amarican bulldog
My sons a really sensitive kid to he's very gentle
My youngest will be the one il have to keep a close eye on but she's never played rough with and of the dogs she sees or our cat who's a big boy at over 7kg
Obviously it could be different with pup here full time
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top